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A British film combine bas been an- nounced, four companies being involved:

International Talking Screen Produc- tions.

British Screen Productions.

_ British Film Craft- Productions. ' The Argosy Film Company.

The uew. company, which will have a capitahof about £450,000, will be known as the Argosy Film Craft Ltd. The chairman will be Mr. George W. Pearson, and Cap- tain George Banfield will be director of productions.

It will own fully-equipped studios at Isle worth and Walthanistow, and a complete organisation for the production and distri- bution of souud films. It will also have its own renting company.

Captain G. Banfield said that the com- pany would acquire its own theatres in the very near future-, including one at least in the West-end of London.

The two studios were thoroughly up to date. Their policy would be to produce talking pictures only, though any demand there might be from the Continent for silent versions of those films would be met.

Another official of the new company stated that as one undertaking they would be able to put up a strong front against the American film invasion. By-the amal- gamation the number of directors and secre- taries would be reduced from twenty-five to eight. The new company, in addition to its other activities would finance British "quota" films for other producers.

Film of Saint Francis.

Hitherto attempts to develop a theme of religious interest by means of the film have not been very satisfactory. Indeed, until I saw the Italian film dealing with the life of St. Francis of Assisi, which has been directed by Coûte Giulo Antamoro, I sup- posed all such pictures were bound to be irritating in One way or another (writes C.B.M. in the "Daily Telegraph.")

"Frate Francesco," is a fascinating pic- ture, and has no lack of spectacular excite- ment and dramatic conflict. It begins with the roystering. days of Francis amid the licence and turbulence of the Middle Ages, but the greater part is devoted to his won- derful mission, which left its mark not only on religion, but on art.

Alberto Pasquali, who plays the part of Francis, gives a remarkably fine perfor- mance. At present the film ¡6 very long ten reels!-but there is plenty of room for

cutting.- lt now remains to be seen whether j there is enough interest in "a really intelli- j gent and deeply-moving religious Sim to have it brought out of bond and shown publicly. ,

Ramon Navarro.

Ramon Nbvarro though popular on the screen is still a-mystery to Hollywood; is boyish with an enthusiasm tempered by a naive cynicism; has many friends, but few know him away from bis work; seldom attends film folks' gatherings; pre- fers to stay home with his family; people often wonder what his does with his spare time; is a brilliant pianist and singer; for pastime has a little marionette theatre; stages his own plays in it; can also play the riolin; he is. . extremely found of athletics, indulging in. most forms of out of-doors sports; hts pets are dogs; is five feet eight inches tall; has brown hair and brown eyes; is still a bachelor; his first theatrical engagement was as' a dancer; first chance in acting in pictures came iii 1921, when he was given leading role in "Omar Khayyam;" Rex Ingram coached him to stardom; has ambition to play Sir Galahad; also..wants to be a grand opera star; doesn't own a motor car. '

A Film of Sport.

British and Dominions Film Corporation have decided to make a talkie, the in- spiration of which is to have the sport- ing spirit of English public school and uni- versity life. In order that everything may be beyond criticism, so far as detail is concerned, Mr. Herbert Wilcox, who is to direct the pictures, has already se- cured the co-operation of three outstand- ing personalities in the world of sport, Mr. A. P. F. Chapman, Mr. W. W. Wake- field and Mr. Arthur Gilligan. Mr. Chap- man has agreed to act a part in a scene depicting an Old Boys v. School cricket match, while Mr. Wakefield arid Mr. Gilli- gan will see. that no howlers in the ritual of public school or university life are .perpetrated.

"Playing the Game," as' the picture is to be called, will include a Rugger match, May Week at Cambridge, and finally the Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

When Were You Born?

That November, September, January and June arc apparently the best months to be born in, if you would be a highly paid film star, and February, March, May and October the worst, may or may not interest those fond parents who are plan- ning future careers for their children. The dabbler in " horoscopes, however, un- doubtedly, will find material for' his lab- ours in tabulation of kinematic natal days

November seems-to be the most aus- picious from a film standpoint. Born in this month were Reginald Denny (20th), Lawrence Tibbett (16th), Lewis Stone (15tb), Roland Young and Raquel Torreas (11th), Rosetta Duncan (23rd), Lottice Howell (14th), John Mil jan and Marie Dressier (9th), and Gwen Lee (12th).

Months, however, seem to have no ef- fect on the popularity of the stars. Seve- ral of. the most successful stare have months almost to themselves. Ramon Novarro splits February with one other player; Joan Crawford (23rd) and Conrad Nagel (10th) halve March; Karl Dane (12th) and Buster Keaton (4th) do ditto

for October.

August and July have four each. Jul? gave you John Gilbert (10th), Raymond Hackett (15lh). Holmes Herbert (30th), and Catherine Dale Owen (28th). August offers Cecil B. De Mille (12th). Dorothy Jordan (9th). Norma Shearer (10th), and Anita Page (4th).